Bastaria

Bastaria
Capital City
Left to right from top: Heroes' Square, People's Assembly, Garden of Unity, Port of Hebian, Bastaria Station.
Coat of arms
Etymology: Named after founder Bastar
Nickname:  The Velaherian Jewel
Motto:  From the waves we rose
Bastaria's location within Velaheria
Country	Velaheria
Province	Hrestam
Founded	1602
Founded by	Bastar the Great
Administrative Centre	Bastaria Municipal Building
Government
• Type	Democratic People's Republic
• Body	Bastaria City Council
• Mayor	Elena Kostova (Velaherian People's Party)
• Deputy Mayor	Grigori Levin
Area
• Total	345.6 km2 (133.4 sq mi)
• Land	340.0 km2 (131.3 sq mi)
• Water	5.6 km2 (2.2 sq mi)
Population  (2023)
• Total	2,200,000
• Density	6,400/km2 (16,000/sq mi)
	Estimate
Demonym	Bastarian
Time zone	UTC-2 (Velaherian Standard Time)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-2 (Not observed)
Postal code	89000-89999
Area code	012
ISO 3166 code	VE-BA
Website	www.bastaria.gov.ve

Bastaria is the capital city of Velaheria, located in the province of Hrestam. As home to approximately 2,200,000 residents, Bastaria not only serves as the administrative epicenter of the country but also stands as a symbol of Velaheria's rich historical composition and vibrant culture and the ideological centre for the Velaherian Socialist ideology and its international glory. The city's strategic location and significant population make it integral to the nation's governance, infrastructure, and cultural evolution as well as an economic hub for the nation, due to the presence of deep water ports in that region, and bastaria being relatively close to regional powerhouses like Seylos and Delamaria.

History

Bastaria, the bustling capital city of Velaheria, has experienced its fair share of challenges and tribulations over the years. The 1940s, in particular, stands out as one of the most defining periods in the city's history. During this time, Velaheria waged a hard-fought campaign to liberate itself from the oppressive reign of the Dolch landlords and the Dolchordenstaat, which imposed its theocratic and often times harsh and rigorous practices on the velaherian public. These landlords, primarily from the esteemed Dolch noble families, held vast swathes of Velaherian land and wielded immense power and influence over the local populace and forced them to toil in the grounds, working as peasants or as indentured labour who worked in the mines to extract coal and other minerals for the financial benefits of the dolch theocratic holdings in velaheria. As the echoes of the Velaherian liberation resonated across Velaherian lands, Bastaria found itself at the epicentre of the struggle. In 1942, towards the end of the war of liberation, a pivotal confrontation known as the “Battle of Bastaria” occurred between the Velaherian freedom fighters, led by Commander Arvid Falk and being provided with intelligence by the partisans present inside of the city, and the Dolch militiamen. The city bore the brunt of this violent clash, resulting in extensive damage to its infrastructure and the displacement of many of its residents, as most of the buildings were left unrecognizable. The liberation from the Dolch landlords in 1942, while a monumental victory for Velaheria as a whole, left Bastaria in a state of disarray and ruins. Historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and vital infrastructure were either damaged or destroyed, and needed to be either rebuilt or to be repaired. The streets that once buzzed with activity were now filled with rubble and remnants of a once-glorious but enslaved past.

In the wake of this devastation, the Velaherian People's Party, established the Bastarian-Developmental Plan in late 1944 under the leadership of Lena Drakova, who assumed the formidable task of restoring Bastaria to its former glory and to reorganize the city, as an melting point between its past and the upcoming future.

Recognising the significance of Bastaria as both a symbolic and strategic asset for Velaheria, Drakova and her team launched “Project Phoenix” in 1946. This initiative aimed to not only physically rebuild the city, but also to rejuvenate the spirits of its downtrodden inhabitants. Under “Project Phoenix”, Bastaria witnessed a remarkable transformation. Dilapidated buildings were replaced with modern structures, green spaces were created to offer residents places of solace, and social programmes were introduced to aid those affected by the war. By the early 1950s, Bastaria had not only recaptured its lost charm but had also emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience for the entire nation of Velaheria.

Government

People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Velaheria.

Garden of Unity.

Bastaria, as the capital city of Velaheria, plays a central role in the nation's political landscape. Beyond its symbolic significance, Bastaria is the primary hub for governmental operations and decision-making in Velaheria. Located at the heart of the city, the Central Venue of Bastaria stands as example of the democratic ideals of Velaheria. It is within this grand edifice that the legislative building, an architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Ludvig Holst in 1962, is situated. This building is not only celebrated for its aesthetic grandeur, but is also of paramount importance to the governance of the nation. It is here that major legislative proceedings are conducted, bills are debated, and critical decisions that shape the future of Velaheria are made.

The legislative building is composed of two main chambers: The Upper Council and The People's Chamber. The Upper Council is reserved for senior members, including representatives from various provinces, while The People's Chamber provides a platform for elected representatives from various districts within Bastaria. In 1987, under the leadership of Prime Minister Elara Sørensen, the Central Venue underwent significant renovations to modernise its facilities and ensure its continued role as the fulcrum of Velaheria's democracy. These updates included the integration of advanced technological systems for electronic voting and live broadcasting of legislative sessions, ensuring transparency in governmental proceedings.

Adjacent to the legislative building is the Garden of Unity, a serene space dedicated to the citizens of Velaheria. Inaugurated by Supreme Leader Alexander Von Starinburg in 1995, the garden serves as a constant reminder of the unity and harmony that the Velaherian government seeks to foster among its people. The Central Venue, while primarily associated with the legislative process, also hosts various national events, commemorations, and ceremonies, further solidifying its role as the symbolic and operational heart of Velaheria's governance.

Infrastructure

Television tower.

Positioned on the eastern shores of Bastaria, the Port of Hebian stands as one of the most critical seaports in Velaheria, facilitating vast amounts of maritime trade and commerce. The port's deep-water berths enable it to accommodate large cargo vessels and container ships. Over the years, it has seen substantial modernisation efforts, which have only cemented its status as a pivotal logistics and transportation hub. Apart from cargo operations, the Port of Hebian also offers passenger ferry services to nearby islands and neighbouring coastal regions.

Dominating Bastaria's skyline, the Television Tower is both a functional infrastructure and an iconic landmark of the city. Standing at over 350 metres tall, the tower not only facilitates broadcasting for several regional and national television and radio stations but also features an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Bastaria and its surroundings. It has become a must-visit attraction for tourists and locals alike. At night, the tower is illuminated with dynamic lighting, symbolising the city's vibrant and ever-evolving culture.

Given Bastaria's significance as the capital and its strategic location, the city is surrounded by a series of military fortifications. These fortresses, some dating back several centuries while others are more modern additions, serve as a protective barrier against potential threats. Massive walls interspersed with watchtowers encompass large portions of the city's periphery, and several underground bunkers are scattered throughout Bastaria. Additionally, certain zones are designated as military areas, equipped with state-of-the-art defence mechanisms and frequently patrolled by the Velaherian armed forces. While these fortifications primarily serve a defensive purpose, some of the older structures have been partially converted into museums, shedding light on Bastaria's rich military history and heritage.

Transportation

A diesel train at Bastaria Station.

Bastaria, in its role as the capital of Velaheria, is not just a hub for political activities but also stands out as a focal point of the country's transport infrastructure. The city is served by a comprehensive railroad network, stretching an impressive 9,910 km, linking it seamlessly with other prominent urban centres, notably Vertia and Götain. This railway infrastructure, often termed as the Veins of Velaheria, was initiated under the ambitious 'Silver Tracks Initiative' launched in 1978 by Minister of Transport, Adrian Björnsson. The objective was clear: to unite the vast expanses of Velaheria through a cohesive, modern railway system. This initiative was not only aimed at bolstering economic activities by connecting commercial hubs, but also to foster socio-cultural exchanges between cities, villages, and towns, weaving a stronger national fabric.

Bastaria Station, designed by architect Helena Lindström in the early 1980s, stands as the crown jewel of this network. Recognised for its blend of traditional Velaherian architecture and modern design elements, the station is evidence of the city's forward-looking vision while honouring its rich heritage. It's not just a transport hub, but also a cultural landmark, often hosting exhibitions and cultural performances in its expansive atrium.

Complementing the railway lines are meticulously planned train stations at strategic intervals, ensuring convenient access for passengers across regions. Bastaria's Central Control Tower, inaugurated in 1992, houses state-of-the-art signalling equipment which orchestrates the movements of trains throughout the network. Under the guidance of chief controller Martina Jonsdottir and her team, a tight schedule is maintained, ensuring timely and efficient travel for commuters. With an emphasis on sustainability, plans were announced in 2018 by the Velaherian Department of Transport to introduce electric trains, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint while amplifying the efficiency of the railway system. The success of the railroad network exemplifies Velaheria's commitment to infrastructural development, ensuring not only the smooth transport of goods and people but also fostering a sense of national unity and pride.

Bastaria International Airport, often abbreviated as BIA, serves as the primary aviation gateway for both domestic and international travellers entering and departing Velaheria. Located approximately 20 kilometres to the northeast of the city centre, the airport boasts modern facilities and caters to millions of passengers annually. BIA is equipped with multiple terminals, including a dedicated terminal for international flights, a cargo terminal, and several runways that can accommodate a wide range of aircraft. The airport has been lauded for its efficient passenger processing, numerous retail and dining options, and its adherence to international safety standards. A well-connected transport system, comprising shuttles, taxis, and a direct metro line, ensures smooth transit between the airport and downtown Bastaria.

Culture

The notable poet Ioseb Jughashvili reciting one of his poems, c. 1930s.

Bastaria, with its rich history and dynamic societal fabric, has always been a melting pot of cultural influences. However, the 1950s witnessed a profound shift in its cultural landscape, largely orchestrated by the Velaherian People's Party. In an attempt to foster a unified national identity and curate a more consolidated cultural narrative, the Party took the controversial decision to dissolve all pre-existing literary and artistic guilds and associations. Their vision was rooted in the belief that a centralised cultural platform would not only promote a cohesive national spirit but also ensure that the artistic expressions align with the ideals of the newly-formed Velaherian state. Thus, in August 1953, the Bastaria and Vertia Union of Artists was born. Under the leadership of noted artist and cultural visionary, Gregor Kovalenko, the Union was tasked with overseeing and nurturing the artistic endeavours across Bastaria and Vertia. Kovalenko, known for his avant-garde paintings, was instrumental in shaping the Union's direction, emphasising collaborative projects that blurred the boundaries between traditional art forms and contemporary expressions. The establishment of the Union not only marked the conclusion of the post-revolutionary artistic phase but also heralded a period of rich cultural exploration, one that has left an indelible mark on Bastaria's cultural mosaic. The influences from this era remain evident today, with contemporary artists often drawing inspiration from the pioneering works of the mid-20th century.

One of the landmark events under the Union's aegis was the 'Velaherian Art Renaissance Festival' held in 1957. The festival not only showcased the burgeoning talent from the Union, but also invited international artists, bridging the gap between Velaherian and global art. The esteemed poet Ioseb Jughashvili emerged during this period, her verses echoing the aspirations and dreams of a new Velaheria. Critics argue that while the dissolution of independent art associations may have limited the diversity of cultural voices initially, the Bastaria and Vertia Union of Artists, over time, evolved into a space that celebrated varied artistic perspectives. It became the cradle for an innovative blend of Velaherian traditions with modernist ideas, culminating in what is now referred to as the 'Golden Era' of Velaherian art.

See also

• Velaherian People's Party
• History of Velaheria
• Rail Transport in Velaheria

External links

• Official website of Bastaria
• Bastaria Tourism Guide